Making GCDD’s Guide to the 2018 Difference Midterm Elections THE DISABILITY

COUNTS!

Fall gcdd.org 2018 Transforming Employment for People with DisabilitiesSUMMER 2018 1 Making VOLUME 19, ISSUE 2 FALL 2018 The Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) is driven by its Five Year Plan (2017-2021) goals of education; employment; self-advocacy; Real Communities; and formal and informal supports. Difference The Council, charged with creating systems change for individuals with developmental disabilities and A quarterly digital magazine from GCDD family members, will work through various advocacy and capacity building activities to build a more interdependent, self-sufficient, and integrated and included disability community across Georgia. FEATURES DEPARTMENTS PUBLIC POLICY FOR THE PEOPLE VIEWPOINT The Disability Vote Counts! You Can’t Complain if You Don’t Vote A Guide to Voting by Eric E. Jacobson...... 3 by Hanna Rosenfeld Voting is one of our most important rights and AROUND THE STATE civic duties as citizens living in a democracy. Disability Employment Check out our guide on voting for people with Initiative Gets People 6 disabilities and find out everything you need to into Workforce...... 4 know about the elections on November 6, 2018. REAL COMMUNITIES Real Communities Include College Campaign Retreat Focuses Brings Focus to Programs on Shifts in for Students with Disabilities Community...... 5 by Devika Rao WHAT’S HAPPENING IN Find out more about the nine inclusive college WASHINGTON? programs across Georgia and learn about the by Alison Barkoff...... 16 possibilities now available for students with 10 intellectual and developmental disabilities. GCDD IMPACT The Fam Squad...... 18 Transforming Employment EXPERT UPDATE for People with Disabilities Voting – A by Jennifer Bosk Fundamental Right There’s a sea change coming in the lives by Ilias N. Savakis ...... 20 of people with disabilities and its focus is COMMUNITY CALENDAR employment training, work inclusion and October – January...... 22 financial stability. Learn about customized 12 integrated employment and how to save On the Cover: GCDD’s focus is on for the future with STABLE accounts. the importance of people with disabilities exercising their right to vote in the midterm elections. The Eric E. Jacobson, Executive Director, [email protected] Disability Vote Counts! 2 Peachtree Street NW , Suite 26-246, Atlanta, GA 30303-3142 Voice 404.657.2126, Fax 404.657.2132, Toll Free 1.888.275.4233 FALL TDD 404.657.2133, [email protected], www.gcdd.org 2018 O’Neill Communications, Design & Layout Devika Rao, [email protected]

Making a Difference magazine is available online at gcdd.org in: English, Spanish, Audio and Large Print. Previous Issues are archived on the website as well.

2 MAKING A DIFFERENCE MAGAZINE GCDD VIEWPOINT Eric E.Eric Jacobson YOU CAN’T COMPLAIN IF YOU DON’T VOTE! I remember when I turned 18 and voted for the very first time; it was the 1980 presidential election. Prior to 1980, my mother had already instilled in me the pride and civic responsibility that came with living in this great country.

She reminded me that part of that One of the issues we need to be from high school signals the responsibility was to participate discussing with those running for beginning of life as an adult, and in the electoral process. And that office is employment. While we employment is a key part of that. meant voting. “You can’t complain have made some progress, there Bottom line: We can make a if you don’t vote!” was her mantra. are still too many Georgians difference by engaging in our By the time you read this, with disabilities who want to civic responsibility to participate the Georgia Council on go to work but don’t have the in the electoral process and Developmental Disabilities supports. Just like with voting, by making sure people have a (GCDD) will have hosted our employment gives an individual job. GCDD will continue to Candidate Forum on Disability the opportunity to participate in work on both of these issues. Issues, where key candidates for American civic life by becoming Insurance Commissioner, School a taxpayer. But how will Georgia Superintendent and Secretary of use its resources to help people State shared where they stand on with disabilities participate in this FOR YEARS, WE HAVE SPOKEN issues important to people with part of society? We hear how the ABOUT THE DISABILITY economy is growing and doing disabilities. A recap will be coming COMMUNITY COMPRISING THE shortly on our website and in our well, but this growth has not quarterly newsletter. But, it’s up to yet reached everyone, especially LARGEST MINORITY VOTING you to go to the voting booth on people with disabilities. BLOC IN THE COUNTRY. Tuesday, November 6. In this edition of Making a For years, we have spoken Difference, we will talk about about the disability community what’s happening to increase Check out GCDD’s website and comprising the largest minority employment for people with join our advocacy network so that voting bloc in the country. disabilities in Georgia and the you can stay informed. We hope This means that we can have resources they can access. In fact, you enjoy reading this magazine an influence on elections if in a recent hearing of the Joint and we want to hear from you. Let we participate. I have heard Appropriations Committee for us know your thoughts and Health and Human Services, we many pundits call this the most comments by writing to Managing emphasized that employment important election ever. Just Editor, Hillary Hibben, at remember that we are electing state is the outcome people with [email protected]. and local people who will make disabilities most often desire. policies that will impact your lives. This is why programs like And as my mother insisted, YOU inclusive post-secondary CAN’T COMPLAIN IF YOU education or Project SEARCH Eric E. Jacobson DON’T VOTE. are essential. Transition Executive Director, GCDD

Tell us your thoughts about the magazine or what topics you would like to see addressed by emailing us at [email protected], subject line: Letter to the Managing Editor FALL 2018 3 AROUND THE STATE

ATHENS

ATLANTA Disability Employment Initiative AUGUSTA Gets People into Workforce The US Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) recognized Georgia’s Disability Employment Initiative (DEI) nationally for demonstrating best practices towards providing services and opportunities for Georgians with disabilities.

Launched in 2015, DEI is funded “Through this model, all these (SSI) or Social Security Disability by a US Department of Labor agencies are working together to Income (SSDI), many of whom (DOL) grant designed to “promote employ people with disabilities are people with disabilities. physical and programmatic access in jobs that provide gainful Currently, 14 individuals have to job seekers with disabilities into wages and are in integrated already utilized Ticket to Work, Georgia’s Workforce System.” settings,” said Rosanny Rios, and approximately 100 people are Georgia’s DEI is under the Disability Employment Initiative participating in the DEI program. Technical College System of Lead, Technical College Georgia’s Office of Workforce System of Georgia’s Office of Development office. It is the Workforce Development. administrator of WorkSource The grant utilizes six strategies Agencies are working together to Georgia, the state’s federally- to promote this access: Integrated employ people with disabilities funded employment and training Resource Teams, Social Security in jobs that provide gainful wages system, working to connect talent Administration Ticket to Work and are in integrated settings. with opportunity. At a local Program (EN), Customized level, the Office of Workforce Employment, Customized Development provides Workforce Training, Career Pathways and “This is a win-win for providers Innovation of Opportunity Act Partnership & Collaboration. and people with disabilities,” (WIOA) funds and technical Georgia’s DEI works with added Rios. “Many people do not assistance to the 19 Local WorkSource Northeast Georgia know that this program exists, Workforce Development Areas and WorkSource Central and through DEI, we want to across the State. WIOA funds Savannah River Area to bolster bring more attention to it so are allotted to dislocated workers, employment opportunities for people can utilize these resources low-income adults and youth Georgians with disabilities and get into the workforce.” and administered specifically that reside in those regions. through services geared toward Currently, Rios is working to Specifically, DEI is working in expand the program and make it helping disadvantaged citizens Augusta, Athens and Atlanta. obtain meaningful employment. more sustainable across the State. Those areas were strategically Her main goal is to develop a It was nationally recognized for chosen to expand the impact of structure to increase these services funding a full-time Certified this program across the State, to maximize positive outcomes for Rehabilitation Counselor whose with plans to continue growing both job seekers with disabilities entire caseload consists of shared to new counties and areas. and workforce programs. co-enrolled WIOA title I and WIOA title IV customers to Additionally, DEI is focusing Learn more about the DEI maximize positive outcomes for on Ticket to Work, a resource program at the Technical College both job seekers with disabilities provided to all individuals who System of Georgia. and workforce programs. receive Social Security Income

4 MAKING A DIFFERENCE MAGAZINE REAL COMMUNITIES

Real Communities Retreat Focuses on Shifts in Community Approximately 25 people gathered at Amicalola State Falls Park from Sept. 26-28 to learn, gather and share about their work in the communities at the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities’ Real Communities Retreat. Participants of The retreat brought together More so, Michelle saw a common resources and things still cannot Connectability’s Real Communities partners theme emerge from the participants change. So, we have to change Meet Your Neighbor from Clarkston, Dahlonega, as they spoke about their projects our policy at the state level.” program Savannah and Atlanta. And, its and work in the community. “The goal was to allow the partners to work has opened up compassion, share personal and professional which shifts a community to outcomes of the work being be more willing to change and done in these local areas. become more inclusive.” THE WORK HAS OPENED UP Trelani Michelle, whose career has Kate, an attendee, has learned COMPASSION, WHICH SHIFTS focused on cultural organization the impact of grassroots level A COMMUNITY TO BE MORE and community advocacy, led involvement, but also knows the retreat for two days. “The how much work needs to be WILLING TO CHANGE AND goal of the two-day workshop done through advocacy. BECOME MORE INCLUSIVE. was to understand how the “[The work in my community] community has shifted through taught me a shift from not only the work of the Real Communities doing what’s guaranteed to be partners,” shared Michelle. worthwhile, to engaging in taking Launched statewide in 2010, The packed agenda focused on risks because that’s the rhythm Real Communities Partnerships topics like inclusion, evolution of of our work. We could work work with local groups to build the community and accessibility. really hard and spend lots of more than just communities. Through a thoughtful, action- learning approach that equips community members at the local, grassroots level, they work together Real Communities toward common goals to improve their community using person- Current Partnerships centered supports, community- • Al Tamyoz Community Building Group – Clarkston, GA centered connections and persistent and reflective learning. Centenary United Methodist Church (Macon Roving • Purposefully involving people Listeners) – Macon, GA with and without developmental • Connectability Meet Your Neighbor – Dahlonega, GA disabilities in collaborative projects • Forsyth Farmers’ Market – Savannah, GA is pivotal to the framework • Hillside Neighborhood – LaGrange, GA of Real Communities. • Peacebuilders Camp at Koinonia Farms – Americus, GA Learn more about GCDD’s Real Communities Partnerships.

FALL 2018 5 PUBLIC POLICY FOR THE PEOPLE

THE DISABILITY VOTE COUNTS! – A Guide to Voting by Hanna Rosenfeld, GCDD Planning & Policy Development Specialist

Voting is one of our most important rights and civic duties polls that allow for assistance, but give as citizens living in a democracy. When you participate in the more privacy and independence for election process, you help pave the path toward progress for voters to select their choices. These people with disabilities. In Georgia, more than one million people options include: have disabilities and approximately 652,000 are of voting age. • An audio ballot for those with visual impairment or who are The following is a guide on voting A voter with a disability can receive blind, equipped with headphones for people with disabilities and support from any individual EXCEPT and a number keypad similar to an everything you need to know about his or her employer, representative of automated phone service. the election on November 6, 2018. his or her employer or a representative A magnifying feature GCDD’S PUBLIC of his or her union, nor a poll worker • that is available on every or poll watcher, who is a resident of POLICY TEAM touch screen voting unit the precinct where the voter needing in Georgia, which allows DISABILITY GUIDE support is trying to vote. voters to enlarge the TO VOTING . . . Voters with disabilities can receive print on the ballot. assistance from any other individuals Touch screen voting including a mother, father, sister, • units that allow a voter Eligibility brother, spouse, friend or child. Each to vote while sitting in a individual assisting the voter with a To participate in the voting process chair or wheelchair. in Georgia, you must be a citizen of disability must record his or her name the United States; a legal resident of on the elector’s voter certificate. Reading the Ballot DAWN ALFORD, GCDD Georgia and of the county in which A voter with a disability is not To view a sample of your Public Policy Director you plan to vote; and 18 years of age required to have someone assist them personal ballot, visit the by Election Day. Check your status at the polls – it is their choice. My Voter Page (MVP) through the Secretary of State’s Additionally, poll officers and workers on the Georgia Secretary website or contact your county are provided training regarding the use of State’s website. You will voter registration office to see if you of voting equipment, procedures and need to create an MVP are registered to vote. all aspects of state and federal laws login using your name, Assistance applicable to conducting elections. county and birth date to download your ballot. If a voter with a disability is unable to Assistive Technology On the next page we have sign his or her name; to see or mark For voters with disabilities who provided a sample ballot the answers on the ballot; use the HANNA ROSENFELD, require accommodation in the (this one is for Fulton voting equipment; or cannot enter the GCDD Planning and form of assistive technology, there County) and an explanation Policy Development voting booth without support, they are accessible touch screen voting of the sections you will find Specialist may bring someone to help them. equipment options provided at the on your ballot.

6 MAKING A DIFFERENCE MAGAZINE SAMPLE BALLOT

FULTON COUNTY Reading OFFICIAL ABSENTEE/PROVISIONAL/CHALLENGED BALLOT OFFICIAL GENERAL ELECTION BALLOT OF THE STATE OF GEORGIA the Ballot NOVEMBER 6, 2018 To vote, blacken the Oval ( ) next to the candidate of your choice. To vote for a person whose name is not on the ballot, manually WRITE his or her name in the write-in section and blacken the Oval ( ) next to the write-in section. If you desire to vote YES or NO for a PROPOSED QUESTION, blacken the corresponding Oval ( ). Use only blue or black pen or pencil.

Statewide Races Do not vote for more candidates than the number allowed for each specific office. Do not cross out or erase. If you erase or make other marks on the ballot or tear the ballot, your vote may not count. Every registered voter in the State If you change your mind or make a mistake, you may return the ballot by writing “Spoiled” across the face of the ballot and return envelope. You may then mail the spoiled ballot back to your county board of registrars, and you will be issued another official absentee ballot. Alternatively, you may surrender the of Georgia will be able to vote ballot to the poll manager of an early voting site within your county or the precinct to which you are assigned. You will then be permitted to vote a regular for all the offices in this section ballot. "I understand that the offer or acceptance of money or any other object of value to vote for any particular candidate, list of candidates, issue, or list of issues included in this election constitutes an (highlighted in green): act of voter fraud and is a felony under Georgia law." [OCGA 21-2-285(h) and 21-2-383(a)] For Governor For Commissioner of For U.S. For State Senator From • Governor (Vote for One) Insurance Representative in 116th 6th District (Vote for One) th (Vote for One) Congress From the 5 • Lieutenant Governor Republican Congressional District JIM BECK LEAH ALDRIDGE Republican of Republican • Secretary of State STACEY ABRAMS Georgia Democrat (Vote for One) JANICE LAWS • Attorney General Democrat (Incumbent) Democrat TED METZ JOHN R. LEWIS Libertarian (Incumbent) Democrat • Commissioner of Agriculture DONNIE FOSTER Libertarian • Commissioner of Insurance Write-in • State School Superintendent Write-in Write-in For State Senator From st For Lieutenant Write-in For U.S. 21 District • Commissioner of Labor th (Vote For One) Governor For State School Representative in 116 (Vote for One) th • Public Service Commissioners Superintendent Congress From the 6 (Vote for One) Congressional District (Incumbent) Republican Republican of RICHARD WOODS Georgia NICOLE B. NASH Local Races (Incumbent) Republican (Vote for One) Democrat SARAH RIGGS AMICO Democrat Only registered voters in designated OTHA E. THORNTON, JR. KAREN HANDEL Democrat (Incumbent) Republican areas can vote for the offices in this Write-in Write-in LUCY MCBATH Democrat For State Senator From section (highlighted in gold). The th For Secretary of State Write-in 28 District (Vote for One) (Vote For One) ballot you receive at the polls will For Commissioner of BRAD RAFFENSPERGER Labor Write-in show ONLY your candidates here. Republican (Vote for One) (Incumbent) Republican For U.S. This may include: JOHN BARROW MARK BUTLER Representative in 116th Democrat (Incumbent) Republican Congress From the 11th Congressional District Write-in • US Senate & Representatives SMYTHE DUVAL RICHARD KEATLEY Libertarian Democrat of For State Senator From • Georgia Senate & Georgia 32nd District (Vote for One) (Vote For One) Representatives Write-in Write-in BARRY LOUDERMILK (Incumbent) Republican (Incumbent) Republican • County or City Boards of For Attorney General For Public Service (Vote for One) Commissioner FLYNN D. BROADY, JR. CHRISTINE TRIEBSCH Education (To Succeed Chuck Eaton) Democrat Democrat CHRIS CARR (Vote for One) (Incumbent) Republican • County or City Boards of CHUCK EATON (Incumbent) Republican Commissioners CHARLIE BAILEY Write-in Write-in Democrat LINDY MILLER • Mayors & City Councils Democrat For U.S. For State Senator From Representative in 116th 35th District Congress From the 13th (Vote For One) Write-in RYAN GRAHAM Special Items Libertarian Congressional District For Commissioner of of (Incumbent) Democrat Agriculture Georgia At the end of the ballot (not (Vote for One) (Vote for One) pictured), special items will be listed Write-in GARY BLACK For Public Service DAVID CALLAHAN Write-in (Incumbent) Republican Republican that you will be asked to approve. It Commissioner For State Senator From (To Succeed Tricia FRED SWANN DAVID SCOTT th Pridemore) 36 District is a good idea to review these items Democrat (Incumbent) Democrat (Vote for One) (Vote For One) beforehand to understand what is TRICIA PRIDEMORE (Incumbent) Republican (Incumbent) Democrat proposed. These may include: Write-in Write-in DAWN A. RANDOLPH • Proposed Constitutional Democrat Write-in Amendments JOHN TURPISH Libertarian • Proposed Statewide Referenda • Special Elections TURN BALLOT OVER SAMPLEWrite-in TO CONTINUE VOTING You can review your sample ballot at My Voter Page at www.mvp.sos.ga.gov FALL 2018 7 CANDIDATES FOR GOVERNOR Statewide Elections Chair of the Elberton native, Thornton currently Libertarian Party lives in Richmond Hill with his wife of Georgia, Ted and two children. He was the first Metz lives in African American male to serve as Stacey Abrams Brian Kemp Ted Metz South Cobb. President of the National PTA, and When asked Thornton’s top priorities include In the following sections, we have about Medicaid expansion, Metz empowering families and educators, highlighted some of the candidates’ stated, “With removal of strings providing wrap-around services for platforms we find relevant, namely attached to Medicaid grants which children and updating the state’s their views on Medicaid and their put 159 agencies in-between people funding formula for schools to include priorities if elected. and their doctors, ending certificate technology. In response to a Georgia of needs for competitive facilities, school re-instituting paddling as a Governor and using innovative approaches to punishment, Thornton stated, “My The former House Minority Leader healthcare, expansion would be the plan to bring wrap-around services (2010-2017) and Atlanta resident right thing.” and more mental health professionals Stacey Abrams, Democrat, believes State School will help Georgia schools progress rather than regress.” that, “Georgia must pursue expansion Superintendent of Medicaid as both a stabilization Dr. Sonia Francis-Rolle is also and growth model for delivery of The current State School running for State Superintendent as healthcare and for economic growth.” Superintendent, Richard Woods, a write-in candidate. Francis-Rolle Indeed, Abrams went so far as to say has served since 2015 and is running is a Republican and a past teacher that her first priority if elected would for a second term as the Republican in the DeKalb and Fulton County be to “[see through the] expansion candidate. Woods is a Georgia native. school systems. Francis-Rolle has of Medicaid in the State of Georgia Raised in Fitzgerald, he now calls pointed out that “the increasing to cover 500,000 Georgians; save our Tifton home. A former public school need for Individualized Education rural hospitals; and make certain that teacher, Woods created a Student Plans (IEPs) require a great deal of we start to create the thousands of Advisory Council and launched the flexibility for parents and educators to jobs to which Georgia is eligible if we “Georgia Career Pipeline tool to help decide for themselves how to set goals expand Medicaid in the State.” local districts match career pathways for adequate progress.” Additionally, offered at high schools to area job An Athens resident, Brian Kemp, Francis-Rolle advocates for “statewide demands.” When asked whether the Republican, has served as Secretary of special education training” and Georgia Network for Educational and State of Georgia since 2010. When “smaller class sizes for students with Therapeutic Support, or GNETS, was asked what his first priority would be discipline challenges.” constitutional, Woods did not commit if elected, Kemp responded, “Well, either way. He did note however, Commissioner of Insurance day one I am going to create a Putting “I think [it provides] a good role. Georgians First Committee that will The Office of Insurance and Fire [GNETS acts] as a bridge. Instead of be made up of business people, not Safety Commissioner oversees the moving from the bureaucrats. It is going to start looking home school to a at cutting government regulations, residential facility, it CANDIDATES FOR STATE SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT cutting red tape. This is really part gives you a middle of a Conservative Four Point Plan I ground.” have to make Georgia number one for small businesses in the country.” Woods is Regarding Medicaid, Kemp has challenged by reportedly said we should be lowering the Democratic healthcare costs without giving more nominee Otha funding to Medicaid. Thornton. An Richard Woods Otha Thornton Dr. Sonia Francis-Rolle 8 MAKING A DIFFERENCE MAGAZINE CANDIDATES FOR SECRETARY OF STATE

insurance industry including life, experience car and medical insurance, as well includes time in as fire safety regulation. The current the US Army commissioner, Ralph Hudgens, is and as a deputy stepping down after eight years. sheriff. His Candidates will focus on Medicaid platform includes expansion, access to affordable empowering local healthcare and coverage for those with fire departments John Barrow Brad Raffensperger Smythe Duval multiple diagnoses. to approve his own personal experience as a The Democratic nominee, Janice home additions, congressman whose district was Laws, emigrated from Jamaica and lowering the minimum amount of redrawn multiple times. has called Georgia home for 15 auto and liability insurance coverage years. The owner of an insurance required by law, and repealing the The Republican candidate is Brad agency, Laws’ background lies within requirement that, “all persons applying Raffensperger. Calling Johns Creek the realm of home, auto and life for a permit to the Office of Insurance home, Raffensperger is the CEO of insurance. Laws has stated that her and Fire Safety Commissioner” supply a specialty engineering design firm. “first order of business” is to “address proof of legal residency. Raffensperger is a proponent of the cost of automobile insurance.” Secretary of State replacing income tax with a FairTax, As for health insurance, her focus is where purchases are taxed as opposed As for Secretary of State, incumbent on, “fraud and predatory insurance to income. Other components include Brian Kemp stepped down to run practices” that plague “seniors, strengthening voter ID laws, reducing for Governor. This important office veterans and other at-risk families.” sex and drug trafficking and updating oversees many state activities, such the voter system to include “paper Laws is challenged by Republican as business licensing and elections. ballot verification.” party nominee Jim Beck. A Carrollton Candidates will focus on the resident, Beck previously worked as challenges that 1.3 million Georgians The final candidate for Secretary the Deputy Insurance Commissioner with disabilities face when trying to of State is Smythe Duval. A and an insurance lobbyist. Beck’s have their voices heard in the election Libertarian, Duval is a Marietta priorities include increasing process. Specifically, accessible polling resident. A military veteran and accessibility to the public by creating, centers, easy-to-understand language registered nurse, Duval currently “four rolling regional offices” and on ballots and easy-to-follow absentee works as the IT director for a large hosting telephone town halls to ballot eligibility requirements. medical practice. He advocates to discuss potential rate increases. Other adopt a ranked-choice voting system, John Barrow is the Democratic key components of his platform allow same-day voter registration candidate for Secretary of State. A include “doubling the penalties and to impose congressional term former US congressman representing on insurance companies guilty of limits. Duval wants a reduction in the 12th district in Georgia, Barrow victimizing” seniors and veterans. barriers independent and minor party calls Athens home. Barrow believes candidates face running for office and The Libertarian candidate for that the Secretary of State’s office is to eliminate gerrymandering. Insurance Commissioner is Donnie the, “most important office in Georgia Foster. A truck driver, Foster’s that no one thinks about.” Barrow Your Vote Counts! is a proponent Vote November 6, 2018 of switching to CANDIDATES FOR COMMISSIONER OF INSURANCE It is important to note that GCDD a paper ballot does not endorse any candidate system that uses and that the enclosed information optical scanners. encompasses only a small piece of Barrow is also vocal a larger political platform for each about the need for candidate. We encourage you reach gerrymandering out to them with questions of your reform, citing own – and to vote.

Janice Laws Jim Beck Donnie Foster FALL 2018 9 Include College Campaign Brings Focus to Programs for Students with Disabilities Include College is the newest campaign launched by the Georgia Inclusive Postsecondary Education Consortium (GAIPSEC) to bring attention to nine inclusive college programs for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) across Georgia. Proud graduates of Kennesaw State’s inclusive college program

Currently, the following universities, Include College is a clearing house education. Specifically, GCDD colleges and technical colleges have that allows parents, students and aims to expand the number of inclusive programs in Georgia: other stakeholders to receive successful inclusive post-secondary University of Georgia, Columbus complete information on the college educational State University, Georgia State programs and steps to include in programs in University, Georgia Southern planning for life after high school. Georgia to 13 University, East Georgia State This includes understanding all by 2022. College, Albany Technical College, of the colleges’ different offerings, About GAIPSEC: University of West Georgia, how to plan for college options Georgia Inclusive Georgia Institute of Technology throughout the student’s K-12 Postsecondary and Kennesaw State University. career and various agencies and Education There are 140 students enrolled in organizations that can support Consortium is the nine programs, but plans are parents through the process. dedicated to to grow exponentially. “The goal Georgia’s college programs are ensuring that every of this campaign is for parents, inclusive in campus life and Georgia student students, family members and academic offerings, and they also has access to educators to include college in a prepare students with job training learning after high student’s transition planning as and independent living skills. school, regardless an option after high school,” said Students with disabilities who of intellectual or Susanna Miller-Raines, statewide attend inclusive college programs developmental coordinator for GAIPSEC. have a higher chance to receive disability. The job opportunities in competitive, Consortium is integrated employment. In made up of colleges and universities, Project WOLVES at University of Georgia, 75% of the 2017 community support agencies, West Georgia graduates are now employed. families and K-12 educators. is the newest Together, its mission ensures inclusive college With a grant from the US program in Department of Education, the that every Georgia student with Georgia. programs originated in 2010, an intellectual or developmental and GAIPSEC aims to build disability has the opportunity to the capacity to serve 100 new realize his or her full potential. students per year across Georgia. The campaign is supported by the Learn More about Georgia Council on Developmental College for Students Disabilities (GCDD) with support with Disabilities. to its Five Year Plan goal of

10 MAKING A DIFFERENCE MAGAZINE FASTFAST FACTS FACTS

NUMBER OF OF % % STUDENTSSTUDENTS 75 75 ENROLLEDENROLLEDof 2017 in State of Georgia of 2017 inInclusive State College of Georgia Graduates InclusivePrograms College in of InclusiveGraduates 140 the 2018 – 19 College Programs Programs in of Inclusive Academic Year are employed 140 the 2018 – 19 College Programs Academic Year are employed NUMBER OF GEORGIA INCLUSIVE COLLEGE NUMBERCOLLEGE &OF preparing to start PROGRAMS a new programGEORGIA INCLUSIVEin the State of Georgia COLLEGE COLLEGE & preparing to start a new program PROGRAMS% in the88 State of Georgia 250+ of Inclusive College STUDENTS NO. OF INCLUSIVE GRADUATE COLLEGE OPTIONS from their program % throughout the United States 88 250+ of Inclusive College $500,000STUDENTS $500,000NO. OF INCLUSIVE FROM THEGRADUATE STATE FROMCOLLEGE THE US GOV OPTIONS supports studentsfrom & programming their program for five years (2015-2020) from a for Inclusive Colleges in Georgia Department throughout of Education Grant the United States

For more information, visit http://www.gaipsec.org/includecollege.htmlThe Include College campaign aims to bring Possibilities for Students attention to the possibilities of attending college with Intellectual and for students with intellectual and developmental Developmental Disabilities disabilities (I/DD) in Georgia and is funded by the $500,000Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities$500,000 (GCDD). FROM THE STATE FROM THE US GOV supports students & programming for five years (2015-2020) from a for Inclusive Colleges in Georgia Department of Education Grant

For more information, visit http://www.gaipsec.org/includecollege.htmlThe Include College campaign aims to bring Possibilities for Students attention to the possibilities of attending college FALL 2018 11 with Intellectual and for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in Georgia and is funded by the Developmental Disabilities Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD). First Data employees

Competitive, integrated Transforming Employment employment, as defined by the , is “work, including self- for People with Disabilities employment, in the labor by Jennifer Bosk market performed on a full- time or part-time basis in a There’s a sea change coming in the lives of people with setting in which an individual disabilities and its focus is employment training, work with a disability interacts with inclusion and financial stability. It’s already happening individuals without disabilities in all aspects of the job function in Georgia, and the Georgia Council on Developmental and for which such individual Disabilities (GCDD) is spreading the word as fast as they can. with a disability is compensated at or above the level of salary and On May 8 of this year, Georgia’s Next Steps for benefits paid by the employer Employment First Act (HB for the same or similar work 831) was signed into law by Employment First performed by individuals Governor Nathan Deal. The Act “Kudos that the Act passed as it without disabilities (Georgia promotes employment as the first gives us a good direction,” said House Bill 831, 2018, p. 2).” and preferred option offered to Doug Crandall, Public Service people with disabilities receiving Faculty at the University of This line of work is close to government-funded services. Georgia, Institute on Human Crandall’s heart. He co-authored a guide about the public policy This new Development and Disability. alignment approach used in legislation forms “Employment First has a baseline, Employment First states around the a 14-member but we have a ton of work to do. Employment First country. And, his research found Employment The first thing is for us all to has a baseline, that government-funded programs First Council come together – the people with but we have a ton were fragmented and often made up of disabilities, their families, the disconnected from the ultimate of work to do. individuals with providers and employers.” outcome of supporting job seekers disabilities, GCDD’s goal is to research and with disabilities in obtaining and family members of people with make recommendations for future keeping competitive, integrated disabilities and various represen- policies so Employment First is employment. The guide shares a tatives of workforce development implemented throughout the State, nine-month, three-phase approach agencies in Georgia and is as well as to ensure competitive, to using collaboration and aligning overseen by the Georgia Vocational integrated employment is at the resources to achieve systems Rehabilitation Agency (GVRA). forefront of all state-funded services. change for Employment First.

12 MAKING A DIFFERENCE MAGAZINE Competitive, Integrated Employment at First Data

GCDD’s New Technical preferred option; and then, they must analyze what it will take to Assistance Center truly transform their agencies, along In Georgia, Crandall’s work focuses with their leadership and boards, to mainly on bringing state agencies have an awareness of the economic and providers of services for people life of the community. with disabilities in alignment Provider agencies Lookout with what Employment First is Mountain Community Services, working to achieve. As a start, LaFayette; DeKalb Community he is behind the new GCDD- Service Board, Decatur; and funded Technical Assistance Aspire Behavioral Health and Center, Advancing Employment. Developmental Disability Services, Albany have started working and coordinating with Advancing Employment to learn and bring best practices for competitive employment in their organizations. Implementing The center’s initiative will develop a provider transformation plan Integrated Employment based on strengths and needs in the Workplace of each provider regarding best It is also important to talk to practices in employment. In employers about integrated addition, providers will have employment in language that access to customized webinars, businesses understand – economics, online trainings and multiple retaining staff and creating a new resources related to best practices customer base. and research in employment for individuals with intellectual and One company that is not only ready, developmental disabilities. but has implemented competitive, integrated employment is First The work with agencies and Data, a global financial service providers is two-fold: first they company, with headquarters in must believe competitive, integrated Atlanta. Its commitment to an employment is the first and overarching goal of diversity and inclusion at the company began four years ago when Frank Bisignano PROVIDER ORGANIZATIONS became CEO. He made a strong CURRENTLY WORKING WITH commitment to hire veterans, and ADVANCING EMPLOYMENT as they began offering training for people with service and non-service • Lookout Mountain Community related disabilities, First Data saw a Services, LaFayette much bigger opportunity. “We wanted to go past the • DeKalb Community Service We wanted to go past the ADA Board, Decatur Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements and requirements and do everything • Aspire Behavioral Health and do everything we could to we could to expand our Developmental Disability expand our recruitment pools Services, Albany of qualified candidates for First recruitment pools of qualified Data jobs,” explains Vivian candidates for First Data jobs.

FALL 2018 13 be able to do their job. At First Data, our focus is to foster overall inclusion into the fabric of our company,” said Greentree. AMERICA’S WORKFORCE: To that end, the company also added an employee group for caregivers of people EMPOWERING ALL with disabilities, addressing National Disability Employment Awareness Month the unique challenges those individuals often face.

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF LABOR #NDEAM | dol.gov/odep This focus on people with disabilities is extended to First Data’s supply chain which is open to diverse vendors. On any contract October is National Disability Employment Month. with a small business (under $5 million), several owned and Greentree, senior vice president employee programs that connect operated by people with disabilities, and head of First Data’s Global people facing the same challenges. First Data offers to pay the net Corporate Citizenship. Paired by interests and location, the bill within 30 days – a huge boon for many small businesses who The company’s inclusion goals programs work to create a culture find access to capital challenging. led to the creation of eight where everyone uses their energy employee resource groups, one of to create and come up with new “We are doing everything we which is THRIVE, a disability ideas for First Data, rather than can to expand our recruitment awareness leadership council within being isolated and not feeling a pools for First Data jobs,” First Data. The company says, part of the corporate culture. confirms Greentree. “THRIVE was established to create “If corporations don’t figure a network and support system inclusion out, they will lose out on Saving with STABLE for individuals across the ability employee talent as well as clients, Accounts in Georgia spectrum and their allies, providing revenue and profitability,” Greentree That’s exciting news for people internal and external awareness feels. “When you provide employees with disabilities looking to enter of the best practices within First with opportunities for engagement, or move up in the workforce, and Data. We believe that all owner- it always pays dividends.” the mindset change that Douglas associates can succeed and flourish Jackson, the deputy director of because of their unique abilities, STABLE accounts, is relying on. not in spite of their disabilities.” The focus is for team For decades, people with THRIVE offers policies and disabilities who wanted to work programs that help in allowing members to be inspired faced a huge disincentive. If people to bring their whole self to share their talents and they wanted to save money for to work and bring a sense of passion and not worry a place to live or a car or any belonging to the team. The focus about “will I fit in?” expense, people were jeopardizing is for team members to be inspired their benefits. Medicaid and to share their talents and passion Social Security benefits were and not worry about “will I fit in?” And, First Data aims to expand lowered if an individual with There are 25 THRIVE chapters its vision to the true meaning of a disability earned over a set in First Data globally. In the inclusion. “It’s not just enough for amount. That led to attitudes of Atlanta THRIVE chapter, there are a company to be about diversity, “why work?” or, for those who currently 71 members. First Data it’s inclusion and belonging that were working, to spend money also offers confidential peer-to-peer make it work for people to better quickly or hide it somewhere.

14 MAKING A DIFFERENCE MAGAZINE Save & Invest Then came the Achieving a even for things like Uber, Lyft with STABLE Better Life Experience Act of or public transportation. It 2014, know as the ABLE Act, works for services anyone would Accounts! which allowed states to offer typically buy,” Jackson said. tax-advantaged savings accounts for individuals with disabilities. Coming Out Ahead by Working That’s all you “ABLE accounts serve as a benefit need to open to work,” explained Jackson. Jackson wants that sea change to “Not only can you save without include a mindset change that a $TABLE penalty to your benefits, but you people with disabilities utilizing account. can also guide your savings into STABLE accounts will now investments to grow your income come out ahead by working. and not be taxed on any gains “The rules have changed, and it nor taxed when you spend the makes sense to take advantage of SAVE $ money. STABLE, as the accounts all that is being offered to people UP TO 15,000 are known in Georgia, offers five with disabilities today,” he said. different options for investments.” every year in your In Georgia, about 382 people have opened STABLE accounts and $TABLE account. have collectively saved and invested $1.8 million. But, there are over UNIQUE TO STABLE IS THE 200,000 people eligible for these OPPORTUNITY FOR DIRECT DEPOSIT accounts in Georgia, which means Your money EARN$ OF ONE’S PAYCHECK, OFFERING the State has a long way to go. INTERE$T & builds Learn more about STABLE THE BONUS OF SAVING accounts in Georgia or financial $ecurity. BEFORE YOU SPEND. open your own account. People with disabilities who work not only bring an increased If employed, you can Also unique to STABLE is the benefit to themselves, utb opportunity for direct deposit also to the general public. $ave an additional of one’s paycheck, offering the In a recently published article in $ PER bonus of saving before you spend. the TASH journal regarding a new YEAR In addition, STABLE allows study exploring cost efficiency of 12,000 for employers to contribute supported employment throughout to their employees’ accounts, the United States, real jobs have even matching a percentage of a return of $3,016 per year to what the employee puts in. taxpayers. Supported employees’ Use the Money you STABLE offers the freedom work generated a cost-benefit ratio for the individual to spend their of $1.46 for each dollar spent. $ave for disability- savings on a variety of expenses With the combination of various related expenses. including education, housing, resources now available for people transportation, employment with disabilities to become more support, health prevention and financially independent and wellness, assistive technology, and employers who are starting to In Georgia, people with other miscellaneous expenses such take notice, there is a ground- as legal fees or home improvements. breaking transformation for disabilities have $aved “We offer individuals a loadable employment in the disability debit card which works anywhere, community on the way. $1.8 Million!

FALL 2018 15 What’s Happening in Washington? Federal Disability Policy Updates

by Alison Barkoff, Director of Advocacy, Center for Public Representation

August is usually quiet, with members of Congress on recess When disability groups analyzed to their home districts and a slow pace in Washington. his record, it raised serious concerns about the decisions he would make Not this year! Summer has been filled with the Senate about disability rights, health and disability advocates, working on the nomination and care, education and civil rights confirmation process for a new US Supreme Court Justice. enforcement as a final decision- maker on the Supreme Court, integration); Medicaid (provides Judge Kavanaugh’s potentially for decades to come. critical health care services for Nomination to the That is why so many disability people with disabilities, including groups – including many groups US Supreme Court waivers and other home and that usually don’t weigh in on In late June, Justice Anthony community-based services); the nominations, like The Arc of the Kennedy announced he would retire Individuals with Disabilities United States – decided to oppose from the Supreme Court. President Education Act (ensures students Judge Kavanaugh’s nomination. Trump quickly nominated Judge with disabilities receive a Free and Brett Kavanaugh to fill the seat. Appropriate Public Education); Kavanaugh’s record on and the Affordable Care Act disability issues was central at (expands access to health care and his confirmation hearings on Why does who is on the provides protections for people with September 4-7. Kavanaugh wrote pre-existing conditions). How a a decision in a case called Doe Supreme Court matter from Supreme Court Justice interprets v. DC that involved people with a disability perspective? these laws will have a huge impact intellectual disabilities who DC on the opportunity for people with forced to have elective medical procedures without consulting Why does who is on the Supreme disabilities to live, work, learn and them. A district court found that Court matter from a disability participate in the community. DC had violated the individuals’ perspective? Many people focus on Supreme Court Justices are Congress, or federal agencies, when appointed for life. The nomination they think about federal disability process is the one chance for the laws and programs important to public and Senate to take a close people with disabilities. But the look at the nominee’s record ALISON BARKOFF Supreme Court has a critical role, and decide whether he or she is is the Director of too. The Supreme Court makes the right person to serve on the Advocacy at the final decisions on what federal Supreme Court. The best way to Washington, DC office of the Center for laws and the Constitution mean. see how a judge could decide about Public Representation. This includes many laws like the laws in the future is to review their She works on policy Americans with Disabilities Act past decisions. Kavanaugh has and litigation related (prohibits disability discrimination served for more than a decade on to community and provides a right to community the US Court of Appeals in DC integration and inclusion of people with disabilities, including Olmstead enforcement, Medicaid policy, 16 MAKING A DIFFERENCE MAGAZINE employment, housing and education. WHAT’S HAPPENING IN WASHINGTON?

rights. On appeal, Kavanaugh Other Issues on the Horizon: integrated employment (CIE).” The What’s Happening in Washington? disagreed and ruled that it was legal There has been movement this notice said that could happen as not to ask them what they wanted. summer on a few issues that we early as September. If so, it will be At Kavanaugh’s confirmation have previously covered: important for you to share with ED hearing, Liz Weintraub, a national the importance of CIE in your life. Money Follows the Person disability advocate with an Home and Community-Based intellectual disability, testified about (MFP): MFP gives states additional The Centers for her concern about his lack of respect federal Medicaid funds to help Services (HCBS): Medicare and Medicaid Services for the self-determination of people transition people from nursing (CMS) issued rules in 2014 that with disabilities: “If Kavanaugh is homes, Intermediate Care Facilities set standards for all Medicaid- confirmed, I’m afraid that my right and other institutions to the funded HCBS. States must submit to make decisions for myself will community. MFP has expired, and Settings Transition Plans (STPs) be taken away.” Weintraub made all states (including Georgia) will to CMS, describing how that state history as the first person with an run out of money this year unless it will comply. In August 2018, CMS intellectual disability to testify at is reauthorized. In early September, sent a letter to Georgia with steps a Senate confirmation hearing. the House Energy and Commerce the State needs to take for a final Committee held a hearing on the The confirmation hearing also approved STP. (Read the letter bill to reauthorize MFP called highlighted Kavanaugh’s decisions from CMS.) about the Affordable Care Act, and the EMPOWER Care Act. On whether he might strike down the September 13, the bill passed out ACA’s important protections for of the Committee. The good news people with pre-existing conditions is the bill is finally moving with – an issue that could reach the growing support. Stay Informed on the Issues Supreme Court this year. Unfortunately, the House • Learn more about Supreme Court Nomination Jackson Corbin, a 13-year-old amended the bill from a five-year of Kavanaugh, including statements from boy with complex medical needs reauthorization to one year. While disability organizations and resources. due to Noonan’s Syndrome, one year is better than none, we • Read the full review of Kavanaugh’s record. will continue to advocate for a testified about the impact that Read the statements about Kavanaugh from longer time. The bill has to pass • appointing Kavanaugh to the disability organizations. Supreme Court could have on the full House and Senate, but we • Watch Liz Weintraub testify before the Senate people with disabilities: “If you are hopefully on track for this after Judiciary Committee. destroy protections for pre-existing the midterm elections. You can conditions, you leave me and all help by educating your members • Read Weintraub’s written testimony. kids and adults like me without of Congress about the importance • Watch Jackson Corbin testify before the care and without the ability to of MFP and the need for it to be Senate Judiciary Committee. reauthorized immediately. afford our care, all because of who • Read Corbin’s written testimony. we are.” Workforce Innovation and • Read more about Money Follows the Person. Despite the serious concerns the Opportunity Act (WIOA) • Read about the EMPOWER Care Act. disability community and others Regulations: We continue to • Read about the HCBS Settings Rule, the status raised, Kavanaugh was confirmed monitor the potential opening of Georgia’s plan, and how you can get by the US Senate on October 6 by of the WIOA regulations by the involved. a vote of 50-48. Department of Education (ED). Nonetheless, his nomination WIOA established competitive, process helped educate the integrated employment as a clear disability community about national priority. In May, ED As you can see, there’s a lot to the importance of the courts issued a notice that they plan to follow and stay involved with in and elevated disability issues reopen the WIOA regulations, federal policy that impacts people as an important topic in the which could include weakening with disabilities and their families, confirmation of any judge. the definition of “competitive, in Georgia and across the country!

FALL 2018 17 The Fam Squad Sometimes, when you go to college, you get lucky enough to find a new set of friends, people who will almost certainly be your friends for the rest of your life. That is definitely true of “The Fam Squad.” They hit it off the first week they

Members of “The Fam Squad” – Mandel Montilus, Les McBride and De’onte Brown – became friends when they met. Now, they hang out when they’re started attending the inclusive IDEAL program at Georgia State University. not in class, often going to lunch, the library, and the student center together.

When Les McBride, De’onte Fall 2018, as well as establish a about how much time it had Brown and Mandel Montilus dual enrollment program with taken them to make all the parts started attending the IDEAL DeKalb County. Much like other of it. It made him curious about program at Georgia State inclusive postsecondary education the process. His favorite scary University, they knew immediately programs, they rely on the support movie is Happy Death Day. they felt lucky not only to be in of peer mentors who have similar “These types of movies just make school, but most especially to have interests and career goals as me feel more alive,” he says. found each other. IDEAL, Inclusive the program participants. Peer De’onte has a twin brother who is Digital Expression and Literacy, is mentors are recruited from the in the Army, currently serving in a new inclusive two-year program Honors College and other parts Poland. They video chat weekly, at GSU that accepted their first of the University and volunteer but he really misses him because students with intellectual disabilities 5-10 hours a week to assist with it’s been more than a year since in Fall 2016. going to class, study skills and they’ve seen each other in person. Students finding social opportunities. For his final project, De’onte For each of them, enroll in or Les, De’onte, and Mandel are all wants to make a documentary audit courses studying in different programs about the IDEAL program. the day they found offered by that loosely relate under the theme Mandel, the game designer, is out they’d gotten GSU colleges of creative and new media. Les a 23-year-old man with autism into the program and academic would like to become a music spectrum disorder and speech and was also a day departments; producer in the recording industry. language disorder. Mandel’s peer complete Mandel hopes to be a game they’ll never forget. mentors, Teymbi and Kat, help work-study designer. De’onte is a film student him stay focused on his game and intern- with a penchant for horror. designs and ideas. His original ship experiences related to media, Aspiring filmmaker communications and/or the arts; De’onte, 22, has and participate in a variety of an intellectual extracurricular activities on campus. disability and The young men of “The Fam developmental Squad” are three of the five students delay. He currently enrolled in IDEAL. remembers the Spenser Norris, a trained special first time he fell education teacher and clinical in love with films. rehabilitation counselor, is the He was watching University Inclusion Coordinator. something one She says they are hoping to grow day and just the program to ten students in started wondering

Les, De’onte and Mandel are all studying in different programs that loosely relate under the theme of creative and new media. 18 MAKING A DIFFERENCE MAGAZINE GCDD IMPACT

inspiration for gaming was of them, the day they found out Les says, “There’s a lot of kids Pokémon. He shows us a version they’d gotten into the program was that need help and want to do of a Pokéball he’s doodled on his also a day they’ll never forget. “It better, and do better things.” hand. You can find some games was the best day of my life!” is a He talks about people who have he’s working on at an experimental sentiment echoed by each of them. disabilities wanting to change, as website called . He says Twinery.org None of these young men currently well as school shootings and how the thing he likes most about have Medicaid waivers, and they much fear there is. When we ask games is being the champion. have no plans to apply at this time. everyone what they want people Les, the music producer, is 19. This underscores why support in general to know, De’onte says He has mild intellectual disability for a program of this nature is “I want them to know that they and specific learning disorder. important, as the need for NOW/ can be anything they want to be.” Growing up with the music of T.I., COMP waivers is diminished Li’l Wayne and other Atlanta- for IPSE (inclusive post based hip-hop artists, his favorite secondary education) song is “I’m Still Here” by T.I. He alumni as many are gainfully thinks it has a great motivational employed, receiving employee message to follow. No matter benefits, and are therefore less dependent on state resources. Another IDEAL student has stated many times that THERE’S A LOT OF KIDS THAT NEED “Without IDEAL, he would HELP AND WANT TO DO BETTER, be sitting at home bored and feeling like he is missing out.” AND DO BETTER THINGS. I WANT Often young adults with THEM TO KNOW THAT intellectual disabilities find THEY CAN BE ANYTHING themselves isolated when The Fam Squad show off the robot, Pepper, who can dance and they do not belong to a will ask you if you want to take a selfie with her. THEY WANT TO BE. community of peers, often feeling misunderstood, or eventually feeling like it is not With that, the guys take us on what circumstances you come worth the effort to make friends or a tour of the Creative Media from or what’s happened to you, try new things. Like many young Industries Institute. They show us you’ve got to keep doing your people who may feel isolated, this the robot, Pepper, who can dance work and keep going. Les has phenomenon can lead to depression, and will ask you if you want to lost important people in his life anxiety, or people existing in take a selfie with her. At the end like his grandparents, and he’s an unhealthy relationship with others of our time, they led us back to only child. Sometimes he’s felt to fulfill a need for belonging. the IDEAL office, hicw h has a isolated, but he feels it’s important common area with posters, pictures to stay positive. He wants to put As a part of their program, they’ve and quotes from retreats and out work through his music that had an opportunity to participate meetings they’ve had together in encourages people to stop violence. in advocacy, going to the State the past. As we say goodbye, the Capitol to speak to legislators group is ready to try the hot dog Each member of The Fam Squad about the IDEAL program. If talks us through the process of place that’s just opened up around we brought an elected official in the corner. It is Friday after all. applying to be in the IDEAL to be a part of the conversation program. They said that it took a we were having, they would want This story is a part of the GCDD lot of paperwork and an interview them to know how excellent their Storytelling Project. It was written by at the IDEAL office. They all program is so they could have more Shannon M. Turner and photographed remember the interview vividly, students “join the college life, to by Lynsey Weatherspoon. Read the how they had to speak about their see what all the fuss is about!” extended story on www.gcdd.org. dreams and aspirations. For each

FALL 2018 19 VOTING – A Fundamental Right by Ilias N. Savakis The fundamental right to vote is granted to all US citizens under the US Constitution. Justin Dart, considered by many to be the “father” of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), once said, “Vote as if your life depends on it – because it does.” What does this mean? The people who are elected to national, state and local office make up the laws of the state that we live in, as well as the laws that apply to the entire country. That includes making laws regarding federal and state programs that provide services and supports to people with disabilities to live full lives in the community.

However, a gap still remains reported were difficulty with developmental disabilities, as well between voters with disabilities reading or seeing the ballot (12%) as people with traumatic brain who cast their vote on election and understanding how to vote or injuries. The DOJ states that this day compared to people without use voting equipment (10%). The often happens because poll workers disabilities. A study published by US Government Accountability are volunteers, they usually have Rutgers School of Management Office observed polling place many responsibilities, they often do and Labor Relations reveals accessibility at 178 polling places not know about all of the federal that although 16 million people during the 2016 election. One and state laws that protect people with disabilities reported voting hundred seven of the 178 polling with disabilities in the voting in the November 2016 General places had one or more issues process and they do not always get Election, the voter turnout of with accessibility for people with specific training on the issues that people with disabilities was disabilities. The US Government voters with disabilities experience. 6% lower than that of people Accountability Office fully without disabilities. If people with examined the voting stations inside disabilities voted at the same rate 137 polling places. Eighty-nine as people without disabilities, of the 137 polling places had an A VOTER WITH A DISABILITY IS NOT there would be an estimated 2.2 accessible voting system that risked REQUIRED TO HAVE SOMEONE million more voters nationally. the privacy and independence ASSIST THEM AT THE POLLS – So why aren’t people of a person with a disability. IT IS THEIR CHOICE. with disabilities voting at Another issue is a lack of training the same rate as people for election officials, poll workers and people with disabilities about without disabilities? the right to vote for people with What protections are in place Accessibility is one issue. A 2012 disabilities. According to the US for voters with disabilities? study by Rutgers University, Department of Justice (DOJ), Civil funded by the Election Assistance Rights Division, Disability Rights There are several laws that protect Commission (EAC), indicated Section, people with disabilities people with disabilities and that 30% of people with disabilities have often been prevented from voting. Each law serves a different in the United States reported voting because of assumptions purpose. The Voting Rights Act difficulty in voting compared made by election officials and poll of 1965 (VRA), one of the oldest to only 8% of people without workers about their capabilities pieces of legislation enacted to disabilities in the United States. to vote. This is particularly true protect voters with disabilities, The most common problems for people with intellectual and requires that election officials allow a voter with a disability to

20 MAKING A DIFFERENCE MAGAZINE EXPERT UPDATE

REPORTS OF VOTING DIFFICULTY MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD! The Georgia Advocacy Office (GAO), the 30% 8% Protection and Advocacy System for people with People WITH People WITHOUT disabilities in Georgia, operates a voter hotline, weekdays from 9 AM to 5 PM and from 7 AM – 7 Disabilities Disabilities PM on primary and general election days. The GAO can be reached at (404) 885-1234 or (800) 537-2329. MOST COMMON PROBLEMS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES The Elections Division of Georgia’s Secretary of Reading or Understanding How to State’s Office can also assist with any issues that 12%Seeing Ballot 10% Vote or Use Equipment arise when registering to vote or on primary and general election days. The office can be reached at (404) 656-2871 or (844) 753-2871. receive assistance from a person include large displays, magnifiers, of the voter’s choosing, including lowered machines for people who Voters can also contact the State of Georgia’s a family member or a poll worker, use wheelchairs and auxiliary aids Office of the Attorney General to file a voter when casting their vote. A voter that aid people with visual and complaint at (404) 656-3300. with a disability is not required hearing impairments. However, to have someone assist them at many voters across the country the polls – it is their choice. report that these features aren’t the right to vote is only removed if always available to them at their it is specifically mentioned in the The Americans with Disabilities Act guardianship order. As a result, a (ADA), enacted in 1990 and revised polling place – including tables that are too high and aren’t adjustable, person with a disability can register in 2010, provides protections to to vote and cast a ballot for the people with disabilities throughout as well as aging voting machines malfunctioning and not in working candidate of their choice without all aspects of life, including voting. the permission of a guardian. Title II of the ADA requires state condition. The HAVA also provides and local governments to assure funding to organizations, including What can you do if your that people with disabilities have a state Protection and Advocacy right to vote is obstructed? Organizations such as the Georgia full and equal opportunity to vote If you believe that your right as people without disabilities do. Advocacy Office (GAO), to help ensure that people with disabilities to vote is being interfered with, The Help America Vote Act of retain their right to vote. either because of issues that you 2002 (HAVA) requires jurisdictions are experiencing with registering responsible for conducting federal States often have varying policies to vote or casting your vote, elections (i.e. all US states) to in place that can further affect a there are resources available to provide at least one accessible person’s right to vote, such as the help ensure that your voice is voting system for people with right of a person with a disability heard and your vote counts. disabilities at each polling place. under a guardianship. A common The accessible voting system misconception by both poll workers Ilias N. Savakis is an Advocate and Program must allow for the same privacy and supporters of people with disabilities in Georgia is that a Coordinator for both the and independence that voters Protection and Advocacy for without disabilities receive. A fully person’s right to vote is removed Voting Access (PAVA) and if they have a guardian. However, the Protection and Advocacy accessible voting system should for Traumatic Brain Injuries (PATBI) programs. Savakis • https://www.aapd.com/advocacy/voting/statistics/ has become nationally • https://smlr.rutgers.edu/sites/default/files/documents/PressReleases/ SOURCES recognized for his work kruse_and_schur_-_2016_disability_turnout.pdf with voting rights, working • https://www.ada.gov/ada_voting/ada_voting_ta.htm to assure that people with • https://sites.nationalacademies.org/cs/groups/pgasite/documents/webpage/pga_180931.pdf disabilities in Georgia exercise their right to vote.

FALL 2018 21 COMMUNITY CALENDAR

OCTOBER NOVEMBER November 14 Supported Decision October 17-19 November 2 Making Developmental Disabilities KSU Academy of Inclusive Macon, GA and Sexuality Learning Open House Register FREE online Atlanta, GA Kennesaw State, GA Register Register online FREE online November 28-30 2018 TASH Conference October 24 November 3 Portland, OR SUN Self-Advocacy Sensory Friendly Saturdays Register online Planning Sessions Children’s Museum of Atlanta Columbus, GA Get tickets online DECEMBER Register FREE online November 3 October 24 Stonecrest Kidz Festival December 3 GA Medicaid Basics & HCBS Stonecrest, GA International Day of (Dallas/Paulding County) Register FREE online Persons with Disabilities Dallas, GA Find more information online Find more information online December 6 October 25 Annual Consumer Peer Support Meet Up THE DISABILITY Appreciation Party disABILITY LINK - Tucker, GA VOTE COUNTS disABILITY LINK - Decatur, GA Find more information online Find more information online October 27 Vote in the From Lockers to Lockdown: JANUARY Black Boys, Special Midterm Elections January 10-11, 2019 Education and the GCDD Quarterly Meeting School to Prison Pipeline Tuesday, Atlanta, GA Gwinnett County, GA Register Find more information online FREE online November 6 January 14, 2019 October 27 2019 Georgia Legislative Lekotek Halloween Party November 7 Session begins Tucker, GA Lekotek Silent Auction Atlanta, GA Find more information online Atlanta, GA Find more information online October 30 Find more information online To find out about more SUN Self-Advocacy November 8-10 Planning Sessions The Arc’s National Convention events across the Augusta, GA Nashville, TN State, visit GCDD’s Register FREE online Register online Calendar of Events.

22 MAKING A DIFFERENCE MAGAZINE